Tomatin 11 Years Old 2008 Cask #900049 (The Whisky Chamber)

A Tomatin single malt, selected and bottled by The Whisky Chamber, an 11 year old Highland malt from 2008, drawn from cask 900049 and bottled at 56.3%. A release of 383 bottles. Founded in 1897 high in the Monadhliath hills, Tomatin makes a soft, fruity Highland single malt. Tomatin malt long fed blends such as The Antiquary and The Talisman.

It was made in copper stills from unpeated barley, for a fruity, mellow make. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the fruit. At a youthful age the orchard fruit is lively and the malt soft. Dunnage and racked warehousing on site gives a steady maturation. Under Japanese stewardship the focus turned from sheer volume to quality. The very long fermentation is central to the distillery's fruity character. The distillery sits beside the A9, the old road north to Inverness. Cu Bocan focuses on unusual cask finishes, from sherry to wine and beyond.

Undiluted at 56.3%, it is layered. Pear, honey and a malty note, and the Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish runs gentle, fruity and mellow. This is a soft, approachable Highland malt.